More and more pet owners are starting to show interest in the raw food diet for dogs. However, despite the undeniable benefits of a raw food diet, it is not that simple to pull it off. It takes more than just a raw meat diet to make a raw food diet.

This is why it’s understandable that most people find it overwhelming and even a little intimidating to get started. But don’t worry. It truly takes a bit of trial and error before you find the perfect diet for your dog. If you’re new to the raw food diet for dogs, this article will be your guide.

In Part 1, we discussed the basics of what you need to know. In Part 2, let’s explore what steps you need to take.

Here is Part 2 of your starter guide to raw feeding:

Step 1: Set a Budget

For some people, the cost of switching to a raw dog food diet is a significant issue, especially if you have multiple dogs. Keep in mind that the good brands of raw dog food are more expensive in general, yet you don’t need to spend a fortune either.

Start with a budget. Depending on the brand you choose, a bag of raw dog food can last you 5-20 days. So if you have one dog, you can budget 1/2 to 2/3 of your monthly food budget for your dog’s raw dog food.

Step 2: Start Introducing Raw Food to Your Dog

Now that you’ve set a budget, it is time to start introducing raw food to your dog. It is advised that you gradually transition your dog’s diet. An excellent way to do this is to mix some raw food with dry food.

Start by mixing raw food with dry food in equal proportions. Good options are chicken, lean beef, chicken hearts and lean, meaty bones.

Step 3: Find the Right Balance

After about a week, you will want to transition to a 50/50 mix of raw and dry food. At this stage, see if you can gradually reduce the amount of dry food. If you do decrease the amount of dry dog food in your dog’s diet, this transition should be done over the period of 2-3 weeks.

Some dogs are more sensitive in the transition of their diet. So it’s essential to pay close attention to your dog’s behaviour and body language. You need to identify signs of digestive distress and make sure to avoid overfeeding.

If your dog ends up vomiting or having diarrhea, stop the transition and consult your vet. Do not switch back to dry dog food until your dog is healthy.

Step 4: Make Your Dog’s Raw Food Diet a Part of Your Dog Care Routine

After you have successfully made the transition, you will have to maintain your dog’s raw food diet. This should be easy since you have already set the budget and the amount of raw food needed for the recommended feeding routine.

You will want to keep feeding your dog the same brand or mix of raw food. Once you find a brand that your dog likes, stick with it. You don’t want to keep switching brands and flavours every few weeks.

Step 5: Check Your Dog’s Coat, Skin and Digestion

You should take a closer look at your dog’s coat, skin, and digestion. If your dog’s coat and skin look healthy and shiny, then congratulations! You have found the right raw food diet for your dog. But if your dog’s coat is dry, flaky and dull, you might have to change to another brand.

If your dog has digestive problems, consult your vet because it may only be temporary.

Summary

What’s important to remember about the raw food diet for dogs is that it’s an ongoing process. You will have to put in the time and effort to tweak and adjust the diet to your dog’s needs. It may take longer to see the benefits of a raw food diet, but you will be very glad about the results once you do.

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